Laden with gifts purchased with their personal monetary donations, the ten-strong group were taken to the in-patient wing of the hospice where patients receive palliative care.

There, they delivered gifts and spent time chatting with those in the hospice's care before visiting the day unit where people are able to visit the day therapy lounge.

Here, they met with people who use the outpatient facility at Bolton Hospice, including Brian, a Wanderers superfan who has held a season ticket at the club for 70 years.

Speaking following the visit, goalkeeper James Aspinall said: "It's massively important for us here at Bolton Wanderers to play our part in the local community and it's been an honour to come down here to Bolton Hospice.

"It's the first community visit they've made for a few of the lads, but it's so important that we all get involved and put a few smiles on faces at Christmas time."

His coach David Lee echoed his sentiments by adding: "We've felt humbled to be able to come down to Bolton Hospice today and the lads have been a real credit to the football club.

"Bolton Wanderers is a community club - it always has been and will remain as such forever. The football club is a huge part of the town and we will always love playing our part across Bolton as a whole.

"The word 'hospice' can be a frightening one, but this place is truly incredible and the players and myself feel proud to have been able to come down here today with a few gifts donated by the lads.

"From the top to the bottom here at BWFC, we know how important community bonds are and that will always be the case."